Texas Coastal Basins, Cooperative River Basin Survey, Main Report

Excerpts from the report: The Texas Coastal Basins are located entirely within the State of Texas and includes all of 24 counties and portions of 22 additional counties. The study area is about 380 miles long and 70 miles wide and includes about 20,733,400 acres of land and 1,577,500 acres of water bodies over 40 acres in size, most of which is salt water in the bays and estuaries. It is characterized by the low topographic relief which is typical of the entire Gulf Coastal Plain. About 20 percent of the total area of the basin is cropland, 32 percent is range, 20 percent is forest, 12 percent is pasture, and 16 percent is in miscellaneous use such as urban, roads, railroads, farm headquarters, water, Federal lands, etc. The study was limited to investigations necessary to establish the general type, size, location, and priority of measures needed to accomplish flood control and prevention in upstream watersheds, improve Impaired drainage of selected agricultural lands, reduce sedimentation and erosion, provide for adequate recreational facilities, protect and enhance fish and wildlife resources, and maintain or improve the environmental quality of the basin. Secondary data and other information were used whenever possible and available. The study results emphasize solutions to problems that can be implemented by U.S. Department of Agriculture programs. The overall objective is to facilitate and coordinate the orderly conservation, utilization, and management of water, land, and related resources, thereby improving environmental and economic conditions. This broad objective forms a framework for the State's long-range goals to (1) promote efficient planning, development, and use of natural resources; (2) provide planning standards to minimize land use conflicts; and (3) encourage the use of resources in accordance with their inherent capability.